Visiting Salt Lake and wanting to hike but don’t have time to make it to a National Park? No worries! There are tons of amazing hikes for every difficulty near Salt Lake City even in the winter. Here is a list of the best hikes in or near Salt Lake City Valley. I’ll do my best to update this list periodically with new hikes! Let me know if you have a favorite one that I’ve missed!
Bloods Lake:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/bloods-lake-trail–3
A 2.7 mile round trip moderate level hike to a beautiful little lake up Guardsmans Pass in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It can only really be accessed May-October because of snow, the pass is closed through winter. Dogs are able to use this trail. This is one of the best hikes nearby in my opinion.
Elevation gain- 459 feet
The Living Room Lookout Trail:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/the-living-room-lookout-trail
A 2 mile moderate hike located about the University of Utah with great views of the city. It can be used most of the year and dogs are also allowed.
Elevation gain- 895 feet
Mount Timpanogos Trail:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/mount-timpanogos-trail-from-aspen-grove
There are two ways to start this hike. I have only done the one linked and many people told me it’s a little easier than the other way. This is a 15.6 roundtrip hard trail not recommended for beginners. Dogs are able to use this trail as well! I recommend starting this hike by about 6am so you can be off the mountain before sunset. You can also hike halfway to the valley portion and camp for the night and then summit for sunrise!
Elevation gain- 5,383
Donut Falls Trail:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/donut-falls-trail
1.5 miles roundtrip rated as easy with a waterfall at the end! This is a fun hike for any ability and for families. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Elevation gain- 308 feet
Lake Blanche Trail:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/lake-blanche-trail
6.4 miles roundtrip rated as hard but has a waterfall and a beautiful lake to enjoy! Dogs are not allowed on this trail. It’s best to be used during the summer to avoid large amounts of snow.
Elevation gain- 2,716 feet
Stewart Falls Trail:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/stewart-falls-trails
A 3.4 mile moderate round trip hike with a beautiful waterfall! Dogs are able to use this trail. I recommend only using this trail May-October because of snow in the canyon.
Elevation gain- 646 feet
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/rattlesnake-gulch-trail
A 3.3 mile easy hike that is accessible year round very close to downtown Salt Lake. Dogs are able to use this trail as well.
Elevation gain- 816 feet
Mount Nebo:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/mount-nebo
A 9.3 mile hard hike farther south from Salt Lake. It’s best to be used May-October, dogs and horses are able to use this trail. It’s not as long as Mount Timp but in my opinion it’s way harder!
Elevation gain- 3,589 feet
All of these are on Alltrails which is a free app!
Once you get down the mountain and need a bite to eat make sure to check out one of the amazing restaurants we have here in the Salt Lake Valley! I have a whole list right here.
